Hanoolaato goes to Bristol

On Sunday the 23rd of May 2010, ten members of Hanoolaato Executive Committee went to the city of Bristol to participate in event put together by the local representatives of the party. With around 70 people, mixed with both men, women, youth and teenagers attending, the event was deemed successful by both the organiser, the Executives as well as the attendees. Many people who attended told of their suspicion of the party prior to the event, but having listened to what the party leaders had to say about their missions, plans and ideas many pledged their support.

Event was kicked off with an inspirational speech by Cismaan Abokar, the Chairman of Hanoolaato, in which he urged the people to take a stand for their motherland. Using Plato’s example of the Cave scenario, the Chairman argued our people are currently locked in different dark caves with each group thinking their way is the only way, completely disconnected from reality of the situation and each pushing for their particular ideology by any means necessary. Although touching on the disastrous situation and many challenges we currently face, Cismaan emphasised that this can be changed and this change can only come from the youth. We need to show them a new way to do things, he argued.

Cismaan was followed by Amal Ali, head of the Natural Resources Dept of Hanoolaato and Abdi Wali Garad who is in charge of the party’s political office. Amal started off with a presentation on the unconstitutional sale of Somalia’s sea coast to Kenyan government. The issue, originally highlighted by Somalitalk.com was of particular concern for Amal who, as a Law graduate and strong nationalist, could not sit back and watch her nation being sold for small amount of money. Amal told of how she researched into this and confronted current President of the TFG Sheikh Sharif when he recently came to UK of the illegality of this agreement between the TFG and Kenya. Following this confrontation, the deal was cancelled and the sea coast was returned to its rightful owners, the Somali people. In her presentation, Amal emphasised how we can save our nation and natural resources if we use the knowledge and education we have received. Many have argued that the issue of Somalia is either a lost case or one that can only be changed through guns and bullets. Amal’s mission proves how we can save our motherland without using force but use our heads and take advantage of the international laws in place. If one single girl could save our sea, imagine what tens of thousands other educated youth can do?
Abdi Wali spoke about the current situation of Somalia and the chaos caused by the various factions with conflicting ideologies. His mission was not that of a wariye (reporter) but rather aimed to emphasis the acuteness of the situation and how much our motherland needs us, particularly the youth abroad who were blessed with education. His message was “Qaraabo, kor u kaca” (Qaraabo, it’s time to rise).

Following a short break the microphone was given to Zakia Hussen, who is the Head of the Social Affairs Dept of Hanoolaato. Her topic was the role the youth can play for their motherland. Using the Chinese proverb “don’t curse the darkness, but light a candle” Zakia encouraged the youth to adopt the characteristics of a candle light and spread their light where-ever in the world they happened to currently be but also to bring this light back home to chase away the darkness that has for so long covered our nation. Her message was to live, breath, read, cry and laugh for nothing less than your motherland and to remember that you need your land more than your land needs you. As the famous Somali song goes, “haybad waxaa ku leydahay dhulkaaga hooyo” (you will find honour/dignity only in your motherland).

The floor was then opened for questions from the audience, most of which concerned the mission of the party, what the party thought of the current TFG and what the party is doing to convey the message to the people – particularly the youth- back home. Various members took turns to reply, each question handled by the relevant department representatives as is the Party’s policy. Lastly, Mohammed Ali Bilal – Party Executive member – challenged the audience with the question “People of Bristol, do you pledge your support to the Hanoolaato party” for which the answer was a resounding “YES!
The message the Hanoolaato party to the people of Bristol –and all the Somalis everywhere – can be summed up by Abdi Wali’s phrase “Qaraabo, kor u kaca!” The people of Bristol have pledged their support and have taken it upon themselves to work for their motherland. The Hanoolaato Party would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Bristol for their hospitality and open-heartness but in particular we would like to extend special gratitude to the representatives of Hanoolaato who exherted a lot of effort to organise this beautiful event.

FOR MORE INFO on Hanoolaato please go to www.hanoolaato.org 

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